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Fatal aircraft accidents in Alaska

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2026-08-27 20:10 UTC → 2026-09-02 22:22 UTC · added ~~removed~~

A series of fatal aircraft accidents in Alaska has drawn investigation into flight operations and weather-related risks. In February 2025, Bering Air Flight 445 crashed near Nome, killing all ten people on board. An NTSB investigation concluded the accident was caused by a combination of severe in-flight icing and the aircraft being approximately 991 pounds over its weight limit. The report also cited pilot error in failing to maintain airspeed and criticized the FAA for inadequate oversight regarding the airline’s overweight operations. In August 2026, a Security Aviation charter Cessna 441 crashed near the Cape Newenham Long Range Radar Site in western Alaska, killing all eight people on board, including two pilots and six passengers. The NTSB reported that the aircraft aborted a landing attempt while navigating solely by instruments due to weather conditions. The plane crashed in mountainous terrain during a second attempt to land on a gravel runway in heavy fog. On August 26, 2026, a Piper PA-24 crashed into the shallow waters of Seldovia Slough while traveling from Anchorage to Seldovia, killing all four adults on board. The victims were identified as pilot Eric Middlebrook, ~~65,~~ 68, a former mayor of Bethel, and passengers Ronald Schmidt, 65, Lance Schmidt, 20, and Daniel Simons, 82. Rescuers faced difficulties due to tidal conditions, as the aircraft was submerged in approximately 15 feet of ~~water. Alaska State Troopers had to wait for~~ water; authorities recovered the bodies after the tide ~~to recede to access~~ receded. Preliminary accounts suggest Middlebrook may have been attempting a go-around maneuver during a landing attempt from the ~~wreckage.~~ north. The NTSB and FAA have launched investigations into the crash. Following these recent tragedies, U.S. Senator Dan Sullivan stated that aviation safety and infrastructure remain a primary focus.

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